Product FAQ
BroadSign SaaS and Playback PCs
BroadSign SaaS and Display Hardware
BroadSign SaaS Software
Advertising Sales
Scheduling Media Files
Content Capabilities
Software as a Service (SaaS) Model
BroadSign Player Network Requirements
Can we buy playback PCs from you?
Being a digital signage software provider, we do not sell hardware/playback PCs. We have designed our product to work on commodity hardware allowing you to deploy your network with the lowest capital costs for hardware. Once you have selected the hardware/playback PC that fits your needs BroadSign recommends that your hardware be certified in order to assure quality. BroadSign offers certification services; please discuss this option with your account sales representative.
What are the minimal requirements for a playback PC running BroadSign Player software?
System requirements are determined by what kind of content is going to be used in the network. The specs requirements for HD(1080p) content are far higher that those for a network that is only going to show JPGs.
Here are the basic specs of a machine that we have tested. These specs are good for running SD content and some light HD if needed.
- Processor: Intel Celeron D 2.8 GHz
- RAM Installed: 256 MB
- Graphics card: On-board Intel Extreme Graphics 2
- Network Card: Intel 10/100
- Hard Drive: 40 GB ATA-100
- Operating System: Windows or Linux
How does the BroadSign Player manage the hard drive space?
BroadSign Player automatically manages its hard drive space. When the size limit is reached content files with the least relevant date of playback are deleted.
BroadSign SaaS and Display Hardware
Can we buy screens from you?
We do not sell display hardware. Our digital signage software works with all types of displays.
BroadSign SaaS Software
How much does your software cost?
Our software pricing is competitive and customized per client relative to their business model. The license fee is based on the number of BroadSign Players (our player software) and the length of contract term.
What OS do you support?
We support Linux and Windows operating systems.
How many parts can I split the screen into?
The number of distinct screen zones is limited only by the capabilities of the Playback PC and the type of content.
How does BroadSign Suite protect my data?
All BroadSign applications communicate using 1024 bit encrypted SSL. BroadSign applications protect against Man-In-The-Middle attacks by using digital keys and mutual authentication. In addition, our SaaS infrastructure is clustered for redundancy and backed by a full disaster recovery site running in a secondary location.
Can I have more than one BroadSign Administrator running at the same time?
Yes. BroadSign Suite is permission-based so you can have multiple people, departments or companies working on the same digital signage network at the same time.
What kind of reports does BroadSign Suite provide?
We provide multiple reports on network health, performance monitoring, player incidents, inventory, scheduling, loops and more. All reports are exportable to PDF and HTML formats for interoperability.
How do I upgrade BroadSign Suite when a new version of the software is released?
BroadSign Suite has an Auto-Upgrade feature to allow upgrades without interruption or physically touching the computer. All upgrades are performed from the BroadSign technical support center throughout all client networks.
Can BroadSign Suite run without an internet connection?
Yes. The BroadSign Players will keep playing the current content and schedule until it receives a new update.
Does BroadSign Suite support Windows Vista?
Yes, BroadSign Player is optimized to take advantage of Windows Vista's enhanced video engine which yields superior quality playback especially for Adobe Flash 7 content. Windows Vista is also supported for the BroadSign Administrator.
Advertising Sales
Does your software provide ad sales functionality (ability to plan, target markets or demographics, book airtime, execute insertion orders, monitor campaigns, provide campaign reports for invoicing advertisers)?
We have modeled our software after standard media sales workflow and the application is flexible enough to adjust to our clients’ specific digital signage models.
Can a media house use BroadSign Suite for buying/selling ad space?
BroadSign Suite is permission-based so you can have multiple sales people or companies working on the same network or multiple networks. This way BroadSign Suite helps bridge the “acceptance” gap between the new medium of digital signage and traditional channels of buying/selling media space.
How do I prove to the advertiser that his ad actually ran the amount of times he paid for?
BroadSign Suite generates invoice-ready proof of play reports in the format accepted by advertisers and their media buyers.
Scheduling Media Files
Can I see playlists generated by your software?
Using the BroadSign Administrator, you can view the actual loop (past, present and future) at any time of your campaign, so you can see what is, will or has been playing next to your ad or in the same loop as your ad.
Can BroadSign do the scheduling for my network?
Yes. BroadSign Managed Services can perform your scheduling for you.
Can I target specific markets, locations, demographics, specific parts of a network (i.e., cash register screens; aisles)?
Yes you can. Display units can be assigned a virtually unlimited amount of criteria. Not only does this allow you to target based on location, demographics, or network segment, but you can even provide advertiser-specific targeting criteria. For example, a camera manufacturer can target only the stores that carry its brand, and only the screens that are located in the section where cameras and films are on sale.
Content Capabilities
Can I create content using BroadSign Administrator?
No. Apart from some native file formats, the BroadSign Administrator deliberately refrains from integrating complex content creation tools. We believe that our support of industry standard file formats allows us to concentrate on our strength: the ability to efficiently plan, reserve and execute campaigns across digital signage networks of unlimited size and complexity.
Can I create content using BroadSign Creator?
Yes. BroadSign Creator is an online content creation tool designed to allow local managers or other third parties to make immediate updates to content on their screens.
What content file formats does BroadSign Suite support?
We support most industry standard file formats and codecs such as H.264, AAC, MP3, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, DivX, AVI, SWF, FLV, Live TV, HTML and many more.
Does BroadSign Suite support interactive content (kiosks, SMS, triggers, etc.)?
Yes. BroadSign Player has the richest development stack in the industry.
Can I preview content in your application?
Yes. Using the BroadSign Administrator, you can pre view any content before it is scheduled, as well as view it while it plays in the loop. You can also view the present and future loops.
Software as a Service (SaaS) Model
Why do you only have a SaaS model?
We have provided a model to finance your software purchase and assume the IT costs. Our comprehensive range of supporting services included in the affordable monthly fee allows you to focus on your core business of managing or owning digital signage networks.
BroadSign Player Network Requirements
Does a BroadSign™ Player network require permanent Internet connection?
No. The connection is only required for the BroadSign Players to receive content files and schedules, and send reports. Between those times, BroadSign Players work autonomously and record all the necessary statistics and reports, submitting them when a connection is once again available.
What are the minimal bandwidth requirements?
This is determined by the type and amount of content being used on a network and the scheduling turnaround time.
How do I know if there is a problem on my network?
We provide versatile network health monitoring reports and e-mail notifications of problems.
What type of network connectivity does BroadSign Suite use?
BroadSign Suite is carriage-agnostic, which means BroadSign Suite networks can be connected by Satellite, Internet or cable.
Will the software run behind a firewall?
Yes
How do I know if a screen is off?
We support device monitoring over a serial connection (RS-232). The player can be configured to ensure the screen is powered on, and that it is on the correct input. Setting or verifying screen status can be scheduled at user-defined intervals.
How do I deploy a digital signage network in areas where only dial-up is available?
This will not be a problem. BroadSign Suite is carriage-agnostic and supports dial-up as an option.
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